Conditions History

Dogs
Unknown

Features
River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

Overview

Starts and finishes at the beautiful Davidson River. Along the way, you encounter some steep climbs, rutty roots, and twisty descents. At 7.5 miles this has become one of my favorite loops around Brevard.

Need to Know

*It may be better to take this loop the other way - starting in the upstream direction on the Davidson River along the Exercise Trail - because you'll finish with a mellow cool-down section by the river and the actual end of the Art Loeb Trail - but navigation might be a little tougher if you aren't familiar with the area. You could accidentally head the wrong way on the North Slope loop...making the route noticeably longer.

Description

Park at the Davidson River Campground / Art Loeb Trail. Take the Art Loeb Trail downstream (from the back of the parking lot), cross the river and make a left. You'll cross one more bridge and then the climbing begins. Enjoy the views along the ridge and winding singletrack.

The trail crosses a FS road **don't take the FS road** look across the road for the Art Loeb sign. Climb up along the ridge to the North Slope Connector, which will be a signed fork off to the right. You almost make a U-turn, so keep your eye out.

Continue down the North Slope Connector and make a left when you reach the North Slope Loop. This takes you downhill and back to the Davidson River.

Make your way back to the Davidson River Campground, passing the English Chapel and joining the Exercise Trail. Jump in the river. Stay on the Exercise Trail, heading downstream (river right) along the Davidson River. When you get to the bridge you are finished! To return to the parking lot, make a left on the road and cross the bridge.